A short summary of Doty's research: .

Maternal and child health is a key focus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Pregnancy complicated by HIV and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections can result in adverse outcomes such as pre-term birth and poor infant development, which I hypothesize originate during gestation. Despite effective prevention of vertical transmission, these infants often exhibit significant immune impairment postnatally. My research investigates placental immunity in mothers with and without HIV/CMV to understand how maternal viral and immune factors affect placental function and infant immunity.

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2040. Can you describe the (potential) impact of your research?

In my current research, we have identified a protein expressed in the placenta that may indicate pre-term delivery in women living with HIV. Premature birth predisposes newborns to developmental issues and upper respiratory infections, risks that are amplified in HIV-exposed but uninfected infants. With the effective roll-out of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa ensuring HIV viral suppression, many women of childbearing age living with HIV or on ART face an increased likelihood of adverse birth outcomes. Our goal is to elucidate the mechanism of this protein in circulation and within the placenta to explore potential supplementation during gestation. By doing so, we aim to mitigate adverse outcomes and significantly improve maternal and child health in this population, ultimately influencing clinical practices and health policies.

In the ever-changing environment of academia, what are some of the obstacles postdoctoral researchers are faced with?

Postdoctoral fellows often face significant challenges in securing funding. In the competitive landscape of research, it's crucial to attract funding that allows for dedicated time for conducting research. Without this support, scientists are compelled to balance conducting actual research leading to publications with the demanding task of writing grant proposals, which may or may not be successful.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support postdoctoral researchers?

In addition to funding, there are various soft skills that greatly enhance a career. Exchange programs that facilitate collaborations and expand networks are invaluable. Being open to opportunities beyond academia can also be beneficial. Sharing this information with current PhD students allows them to complement their studies with soft skills suited for industry, business start-ups, patenting, communication, writing and teaching.

What excites you about your work? 

Experiencing the specimens we work with in real-time reveals significant insights. Observing the differences in daily specimen processing highlights how unique each placenta is from one participant to another, illustrating the adjustments made during gestation. The placenta is a powerful organ, serving as the crucial part of the puzzle between the mother and her baby. It holds a wealth of information that can only be uncovered through continued research.

When you're not in the lab, library or in the field conducting research, what do you do to unwind?

I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with my family. Striking the perfect work-life balance is challenging, but I always make an effort. Traveling offers me new perspectives and inspiration, while cooking allows me to unwind and express creativity. Most importantly, spending quality time with my family keeps me grounded and motivated.

How has the postdoctoral researcher programme of SU contributed to your research career? 

Firstly, receiving the African Research Excellence Fellowship with Stellenbosch University as my home institution, under the leadership of Professor Clive Gray, and the University of Surrey and Oxford as my placement institutions, under the mentorship of Professor Siamon Gordon and Dr. Fernando Martinez, has been transformative. This collaboration has opened avenues for joint funding applications, the formulation of new research questions, and has facilitated my career growth by connecting me with other scientists doing remarkable work.

Secondly, through the Division for Research Development (DRD) at Stellenbosch University, numerous skills training workshops are offered, particularly for early career researchers. These workshops include training in grant proposal writing, financial management, research methodologies, ethics, and student supervision, fostering peer interaction and skills transfer.

What advice, if any, would you look to impart to future postdoctoral researchers?

Earning a PhD demonstrates your tenacity and resilience. Additionally, the degree equips you with skills that can be applied to a wide range of projects and platforms, requiring continuous creativity and adaptation. Always remain open to networking and collaboration.

Connect with Doty and her work: 

Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile
Twitter: Doty Ojwach
Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GoI34hIAAAAJ&hl=en